November 18, 2009
This evening my Dad was honored - he received the 2009 Outstanding
Yuba-
Sutter Veteran of the Year. The ceremony was held at the Veterans Town Hall meeting in
Marysville. I nominated my Dad, along with others and among some wonderful finalists, my Dad was bestowed the fourth title.
My nomination letter was as follows:
I nominate Ray E. Bull, my father, as the 2009 Yuba-Sutter Outstanding Veteran. My father was a brave, young soldier who honorably served his country in Viet Nam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as an infantry squad leader where he received two bronze stars for valor, the Purple Heart, the air metal, combat infantryman badge, parachutist badge and numerous other awards. Although many of my father’s experiences in Viet Nam were gruesome and painful, and thereby scarred his heart and mind resulting in severe post-traumatic stress disorder, he developed into a fine soldier, loyal American, faithful husband, dependent father, loving grandfather and reliable Veteran for his brotherhood.
My father works tirelessly to identify issues of importance to Veterans and takes action to deal with those issues through voluntarily serving on numerous councils and committees that advance opportunities for Veterans. He is: a life member of the 173d Airborne (Sky Soldiers) Association; member of the 101st Airborne Division Association; life member of the Disabled Americans Veterans of America Chapter #9 of Marysville (my father has a 100% disability from the Veterans Administration) where he is actively involved with the forget-me-not program; life member of the VFW Post #4095 of Olivehurst where he held the office of Surgeon of the Post and was instrumental in instituting a no smoking policy during regular meetings that was satisfactory to the membership to protect the health of Veterans; presently holds the position of Secretary of the newly formed Yuba-Sutter United Veteran Council; belongs to and supports the Yuba-Sutter Standdown Committee helping and supporting distressed and homeless Veterans and their families; supporter and friend of the Museum of the Forgotten Warrior of Marysville where he has conducted Veterans Memorial Services at the site and also has displays on loan to the museum; Honorable Life Member of the American Legion Yuba-Sutter Post #42 where he has held every post office including post Commander for several years where his biggest accomplishment was recruiting over twenty-five (25) new members to revitalize the post; has advanced through the chairs of the American Legion at the district level and has held the position of Commander of District Four Area One providing leadership to the fourteen post’s within the district; and recently served as the Area One Sergeant-at-Arms for the Department Vice Commander of Area One of the American Legion which encompasses all of Northern California. Furthermore, my father is actively involved with the American Legion’s Boys State program, the Oratorical Speech program, Children’s and Youth programs and helping distressed and homeless Veterans.
My father is the best story-teller or historian that I know. The war-time stories and knowledge that he not only shares with his family, but with his community, are those filled with horror, humor, heartbreak and hope. My father has been asked to speak to numerous groups in our community to share his stories and experiences about Viet Nam. Not only do his stories entertain and educate others, but I know that they heal my father’s heart. My father has spoken about his Viet Nam experiences and other Veteran-related activities at many local schools such as Marysville, Yuba City and Sutter High School, Gray Avenue, Bridge Street, Wheatland and Anna McKinney Schools, and has spoken to the Yuba City Rotary, the Lions and Sutter County Museum. His stories keep the memory of his fallen brothers alive, while reminding all Americans alike to never forget the true sacrifices made by the brave men in our military – the soldiers that fight for our freedom.
I nominate my father because he truly exemplifies the true spirit of a proud Veteran and in each and every thing he has done for the Veterans of Yuba-Sutter has asked for nothing in return. He gives freely of his time and effort and is truly deserving of the award of 2009 Yuba-Sutter Outstanding Veteran because he is a real American hero!
Respectfully submitted,
Michele E. Blake
We're so proud of you Dad!
Again, Congratulations!!! You deserve it.
Years ago, my family and I would make a short trip to Sacramento the evening after Thanksgiving to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony in the downtown district of Sacramento. Every year the festivities grew, along with the crowd. The last time we all attended the tree lighting ceremony was at least three or so years ago. In the recent past, I had missed this ceremony because of our travels - but this year we were in town and decided to grin and bare the crowds for the name of a classic family Christmas celebration.
